Knowledge Booster Training Bytes: Unlocking Advanced SKILL IDE Features

Do you think you are spending too much time fine-tuning your SKILL code? As a SKILL coder, you must be aware that producing bug-free and efficient code requires a lot of effort and analysis. But don't worry, there's good news! The Cadence Virtuoso Studio platform has various tools that can help you improve your code performance without affecting its behavior. The SKILL IDE is an all-in-one solution that contains everything you need to make your SKILL code more efficient.

Throwback

In my previous blog post on Using SKILL IDE in Virtuoso Studio, we discussed some of the SKILL IDE features, such as configurable breakpoints, variables, and function tracing using the Trace assistant, Stack assistant, and SKILL Lint.

In this blog post, we will be delving into other important features of the SKILL IDE tool. These features include the Code Browser, Method Browser, Class Browser assistants, and Finder Manager. These features allow you to streamline your coding process and improve the performance of your code quickly and easily.

Code Browser

A handy tool that provides an effortless way of navigating and analyzing source code. It facilitates code browsing without the need to keep track of declarations and references of each program element, thereby enhancing your ability to understand and modify your SKILL programs. With Code Browser, you can easily view the call graph of user-defined functions and quickly jump to the function definition selected in the Code Browser window. In summary, the Code Browser is an incredibly constructive tool that simplifies the process of keeping track of your code.

Method Browser

If you are working with a SKILL code with many methods in it, the Method Browser assistant can be very helpful. You can view the method trees of a given generic function. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily choose the option to:

• View all the existing methods for a given generic function
• View all the applicable methods for a given generic function
• View only the methods that would be called in the current function call

This way, it helps you to streamline your work. Try it to see how it can make your work more efficient.

Class Browser 

If you are working on a SKILL++ code that has more usage of classes in it, the Class Browser can be a useful tool to help you understand the inheritance hierarchy of the classes used in your code. This feature allows you to view subclasses, slot definitions, and superclasses of a class. Additionally, you can view any slot options that were used for initializing the slots, such as @reader, @writer, @initarg, and @initform. Using the Class Browser can help you better understand the structure of your code and make any necessary adjustments.

Finder Manager

If you are repeating the same code in your project, there is a better way to manage it. By creating a function for that piece of code, you can make it reusable and easily share it with other developers. The Finder Manager tool in the SKILL IDE can assist you in this process. It scans your code, including any inline documentation, and generates finder-compatible documentation that can save you time and effort. You can view the function and its details in the SKILL API Finder/ cdsFinder. Therefore, give it a try and let it help you optimize your code!

What Next?

To learn more about the Cadence SKILL Language, check out our SKILL Language Programming Introduction and SKILL Language Programming courses on the Cadence Support Portal.

You can earn a Digital Badge for the trainings mentioned above.

Do You Have Access to the Cadence Support Portal?

If not, follow the steps below to create your account:

• On the Cadence Support portal, select Register Now and provide the requested information on the Registration page.
• You will need an email address and host ID to sign up.
• If you need help with registration, contact support@cadence.com.

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If you have questions about courses, schedules, online, public, or live onsite training, reach out to us at Cadence Training.

Related Resources:

Online Courses	SKILL Language Programming Introduction SKILL Language Programming SKILL Development of Parameterized Cells Advanced SKILL Language Programming
Product Manuals	Cadence SKILL IDE User Guide Cadence SKILL Development Reference Cadence SKILL Language User Guide Cadence SKILL Language Reference Virtuoso Studio Design Environment SKILL Reference Virtuoso Parameterized Cell SKILL Reference Cadence SKILL++ Object System Reference
Training Bytes	Analyzing the SKILL Code using the Code Browser Analyzing the SKILL++ Code using Method Browser Analyzing the SKILL++ Code using Class Browser Documenting SKILL Code using Finder Manager What Is the SKILL IDE? How to Use the SKILL IDE to Debug a SKILL Program? Improve your code with the SKILL Lint Manager Documenting SKILL Code Using Finder Manager

About Knowledge Booster Training Bytes

Knowledge Booster Training Bytes is an online journal that relays information about Cadence Training videos, online courses, and upcoming webinars in the Learning section of the Cadence Learning and Support portal. This blog category brings you direct links to these videos, courses, and other related material on a regular basis. Subscribe to receive email notifications about our latest Custom IC Design blog posts.

Vishnu Teja Salagrama,

On behalf of the Cadence Training Team